Which of the following would be considered an intelligence activity?

A) Overt information gathering
B) Establishing a business presence in a foreign country to promote use of American products
C) Helping to formulate foreign policy
D) Expanding American influence through pop culture, such as movies
E) Launching an invasion of another country

Overt information gathering is a classic example of an intelligence activity, such as surveillance or obtaining strategic information from sources. The other options may involve aspects of foreign policy, economic development, propaganda, or military force projection, but they do not necessarily involve the same level of secrecy or strategic assessment that typifies intelligence activities.